Two dead in plane crash

BREAKING: POLICE have confirmed two people are dead after a plane crashed near Emerald.

Authorities are currently at the scene.

Earlier it was reported that mobile phone signals may help find the ultralight plane carrying two men, which failed to return to Emerald airport.

An Australian Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (AusSAR) spokeswoman says the plane left Emerald airport at 3pm (AEST) on Wednesday and did not return.

The alarm was raised around 6.30pm (AEST) and a search was conducted using night vision goggles and infrared equipment.

She said Telstra has been asked to determine if mobile phone signals from the occupants were being received by their communications towers in the area.

"We are just waiting to see if Telstra can help us with that," the AusSAR spokeswoman said.

The search is being conducted over an area of 850km east of Emerald airport.

"It was a pre-sale familiarisation flight," she said.

"We are coordinating a search with five helicopters.

"We are hoping a more intense daylight search may find something."

The search is being coordinated by Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR) and the Mackay-based RACQ CQ RESCUE helicopter was tasked last night to help with the search.AusSAR asks members of the public with information about the aircraft's location to call 1800 815 257.

It is believed the search is being carried out to the south-east of Emerald.